We Can’t Win Bandits By Being Defensive – Ganduje

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has called for a change of tactics in the combat of bandits in the country.

Naija News reports that Ganduje called for offensive military onslaught against bandits by taking the fight to their camps in the forests.

The APC Chairman made the call on Tuesday while he paid a condolence visit to Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, on the tragic tanker explosion incidents at Dikko, junction, in Suleja.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Edwin Olofu, Ganduje commended the efforts of Governor Bago in addressing activities of criminal elements in the state.

“I’m standing before you on behalf of Nigerlites; we really appreciate this visit. We are doing a lot to create awareness among our people about the dangers of scooping fuel whenever such an accident occurs.

“We are here to pray for our friend, our brother and the good people of Niger State. We sincerely condole with the government and the good people of Niger State, the families of the deceased and the injured ones,” he said.

Using his experience as a former governor of Kano State, Ganduje emphasized the need to take battles to bandits in the forests.

He noted that only an offensive approach would address the activities of bandits and insurgents who are hiding in forests.

“We appreciate how you keep Niger state safe because Niger State has the largest land mass and with the highest number of forests in the country which is a herculean task to keep the peace within its environs.

“Your Excellency, the solution to this menace is to conquer the forest. The bandits are in the forest, why have we been on the defensive instead of being on the offensive?

“When I was the Governor of Kano State, I requested through the Federal Government that the military takes over Falgore Forest and the military built a military training ground there. That was how bandits were chased away from that forest and Kano is at peace,” he added.

On his part, Bago appreciated the solidarity of the APC leadership and urged the Federal Government to address critical infrastructure, such as the Suleija-Minna Road, to reduce accidents and improve safety in the state.